Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Leveling Up Twice
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Wang Li discovered that things were not as he had imagined. The experience gained from battle did not directly increase his soul power; instead, it made his soul power race wildly within him along an intricate and mysterious path. As his soul power advanced, it grew rapidly, and he could clearly sense this growth.
A sudden realization flashed through Wang Li's mind. Although this was a game interface, he was not actually in a game world. Therefore, experience points could not be directly converted into soul power; it was more akin to passive cultivation that enhanced his soul power.
The operation of his soul power within him was not directed by his conscious will. It felt as if it had been taken over by someone else. While it was indeed his soul power being enhanced, he was not consciously guiding it—this was similar to passive training.
Wait a minute...
A bold thought crossed Wang Li's mind. Could the path of his soul power's operation be akin to a top-tier meditation technique? Was the basic meditation method taught at the academy not even superior to this one and more suited to him?
As this idea took hold, Wang Li felt a surge of excitement. If he could commit this method of soul power operation to memory, he would gain an excellent meditation technique without any cost to himself.
Determined to act on this, Wang Li focused his mind and followed his soul power as it flowed through his body, memorizing the path of operation while also observing how his body and meridians changed along the way.
Time slipped away unnoticed as he practiced. Eventually, he realized that the operation of his soul power had become increasingly obscure; each step now required a tremendous amount of energy and physical effort.
However, the sensation of increasing soul power was too wonderful for Wang Li to want to wake up from this state. He actively wrapped his consciousness around it, guiding his soul power to continue its flow.
This method of soul power operation was quite intricate and profound. What had previously felt easy and enjoyable now became laborious and challenging as Wang Li relied on his memory and physical sensations to mobilize the soul power. The difficulties and hardships were constantly laid out before him.
It was exhausting—extremely exhausting. It felt like carrying a heavy load while both his mind and body were weighed down by fatigue.
If it weren't for the refreshing sensation brought about by the increase in soul power, revitalizing his consciousness and motivating him to persevere, he likely would have given up.
One circuit, two circuits… Each complete rotation of his soul power within him brought about significant enhancement. By the third and fourth circuits, Wang Li was utterly worn out.
Upon completing the fifth circuit, he suddenly stopped. It felt as though steel needles were piercing his head, and a wave of emptiness washed over him, making the sensation quite unpleasant.
Wang Li opened his eyes. While the enhancement of his soul power was delightful, the process of achieving it also demanded considerable mental and physical effort. It was no wonder that cultivation required a balance of hard work and rest; it wasn't something one could endure indefinitely on sheer willpower alone.
Enduring the headache, Wang Li opened the interface:
*[Host: Wang Li]*
*[Martial Soul: Blue Silver Grass Lv2 (Evolving)]*
*[Soul Power: Level 5 (9%)+]*
*[Traits: Vitality Lv2 (The Blue Silver Grass spreads across every corner of the continent. Although weak, it possesses a strong life force that allows for slow recovery from injuries.)]*
*[Passive: Resilience Lv2 (What does not kill me makes me stronger. In the face of any adverse condition, as long as I don't die, my physical condition can improve after recovery.)]*
*[Soul Ring: None]*
*[Soul Bone: None]*
*[Experience: 0]*
Wang Li was not surprised that his experience had returned to zero; however, he was greatly astonished by his soul power level, which had unexpectedly risen by two levels from just one session of cultivation. This was an astonishing gain!
In his eyes, a mix of surprise and joy flickered. Just from sparring with Wang Sheng, his soul power level had significantly increased. If he continued to engage in battles and gain experience, he could quickly level up.
This thrilled him even more. Not only that, but the soul power operation path provided by his passive cultivation was itself a top-tier meditation technique.
He doubted that an ordinary meditation method could exhaust his energy and stamina so completely after just five cycles. This had to be a top-tier meditation technique to result in such an effect.
Wang Li smiled; it seemed that he wouldn't have to wait long to reach level ten and become a first-ring soul master.
Glancing toward the dormitory entrance, he realized that it had become dark without him noticing. Perhaps it was because he had just woken up; Wang Li saw Tang San approaching quickly.
Wang Li sat up on his bed, and as Tang San reached him, he wasted no time in saying, "Wang Li, I need to ask you for a favor. My teacher is taking me to obtain a soul ring tomorrow, so I won't be at the academy for a while. You and Xiao Wu will have to take care of the garden cleanup that the academy has arranged."
"When I return, I'll complete the remaining cleaning tasks for the year, and you'll still get paid. Xiao Wu has already agreed, so are you willing?"
While he framed it as a request, it felt more like a notification. Wang Li didn't refuse; instead, he smiled and replied, "Sure, it's only the first day of school, and you're already going to get your soul ring. That's quite impressive talent!"
Tang San's expression relaxed slightly, and then he said—whether to reassure him or just to be polite—"Your talent isn't bad either; you'll surely reach level ten soon."
Hearing this, a slight smile appeared on Wang Li's lips, but it quickly faded back to his usual demeanor. "Let's hope so."
After Tang San left, Wang Li closed his eyes to rest for a moment. His head felt like it was being pricked with needles, urging him to sleep. Yet, the emptiness in his stomach insisted he needed to eat.
With night having fallen, Wang Li was uncertain if the cafeteria was still serving food, so he settled for some dried rations and fruit, eating just enough to fill his belly before he couldn't resist any longer and went to bed.
The next day!
Wang Li was awakened by Wang Sheng. Even after a full night's sleep, he still felt very groggy.
Shaking his head vigorously, Wang Li couldn't help but marvel at how potent this meditation technique was; it felt like his body had been completely drained.
But he knew he couldn't sleep any longer. He got out of bed, put on his school uniform, and felt the fabric; it was better than anything he had worn before.
After using the restroom and washing his face, he joined everyone to head to the cafeteria to fill his stomach first.
All the work-study students were then required to go to their respective classrooms based on their grade levels. The upcoming opening ceremony would be organized by the class teachers.
Every year was mostly the same: the principal would speak about the history of soul masters, the director would discuss the academy's development, summarize the past year, outline plans for the new year, and encourage everyone to train diligently. Outstanding graduates would be recommended to prestigious intermediate soul master academies…
(End of Chapter)